The Name that Saves

     “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
     begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not
     perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the
     Son into the world to judge the world, but that the
     world might be saved through Him.”
                                     (John 3:16-17 NASB)

Often it feels as though the state of the world is beyond repair. A quick scan of the headlines can elicit feeling of anger, frustration, disbelief, fear, and even despair. One step forward, two steps back seems to be the endless story of humanity.

Have you ever stopped to think how God could send one perfect Son into such a world–as a helpless baby, no less? Jesus had no army, no guards, no protection. He was exposed to the worst that humanity had to offer. Why would God do that? Because there was a big problem in the world–one that was and is at the root of all the injustice, ignorance, violence, and poverty that is so pervasive on this earth. What was the problem? Sin.

In the simplest terms, sin is rejection of God. And since the moment Adam and Eve first disobeyed God, sin has stained the fabric of humanity, causing us to look for comfort, purpose, and sustenance outside of God. We might not use the word sin often when referring to our daily struggles, but if we take the time to look beyond our temptations or tendencies or basic nature, what we find is sin–an ancient affliction that entangles all of us. Scripture says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). All have sinned.God knew that because of the enormity and pervasiveness of the problem of sin, we needed more than just a teacher, counselor, or prophet. We needed a Savior, someone who could bridge the gap and cover our sin so that we can live in fellowship with God. So God sent Jesus.

As we’ve seen, the angel said to Joseph, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NASB). Likewise, “An angel of the Lord appeared to [the shepherds], and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord'” (Luke 2:9-11).

The name Jesus, which we’ve seen means “the Lord is salvation,” actively declares that the Lord is the only solution for our sin, problem. In his perfect plan, God sent Jesus to earth so that Jesus’ life and death could provide the way for us to receive that salvation. Now sin and death no longer hold poer over God’s children. Jesus is our Lord, the only One who has the power to save. And one day the heartaches and woes of this world will be redeemed and overshadowed by his perfect and loving presence:

     Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the
     first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and
     there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the
     new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
     prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
     And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look!
     God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he
     will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God
     himself will be with them and their God. ‘He will wipe
     every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’
     or mourning or crying our pain, for the old order of things
     has passed away.”

          He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making
     everything new!”
                                                     (Revelation 21:1-5a)Prayer Focus
What does the name of Jesus mean to you? How can you put your hope in him today–and every day?